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ST. PATRICK’S PARADEOF WASHINGTON, D.C.

Official Souvenir Magazine

Daniel F. Sullivan

Gael of the Year

John Garvey

Grand Marshal

45th Annual Parade

Sunday March 13, 2016

RememberReflectReimagine

St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C.

St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C.

Thank You - Fundraiser Hosts

Thank you to all who support the St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. fundraisers. A special thanks to the pub owners for hosting, the musicians and dance schools for donating their time year after year!

2016 Parade Fundraisers

Molloy’s Irish Pub & GrillCrofton, MD

Flanagan’s Harp & FiddleBethesda, MD

The Limerick PubWheaton, MD

Kelly’s Irish TimesWashington, D.C.

Murphy’s of VirginiaAlexandria, VA

Ireland’s Four ProvincesFalls Church, VA

The Irish ChannelWashington, D.C.

Ireland’s Four CourtsArlington, VA

www.dcstpatsparade.com 1

201645th Annual

St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C.The Nation’s Parade

“Remember, Reflect, Reimagine”

United States National Anthem

Irish National Anthem Invocation

Master of Ceremonies

Embassy of Ireland

Grand Marshal

Gael of the Year

Division Marshals

Kenny Ray Horton,United States Navy

Pat Garvey

Reverend Monsignor Salvatore A. Criscuolo

James J. Cooney

H.E. Anne AndersonAmbassador

John Garvey

Daniel F. Sullivan

James CarmodyTom and Diane Hartney

Family of Ben Self

2 2016 St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C.

The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Washington, D.C., would like to thank the

National Park Service and the following very generous and loyal donors for their

continued support.

Thank You

GOLD SPONSORS

The Dupont Circle Hotel

Aer Lingus

MIX 107.3 & WMAL 105.9 FM

Irish Rose

Tom and Diane Hartney

Diana Sullivan

McEnearney Associates

Mark & Stacy Klingensmith


Thank You

CelticCecelia FarleySteve NickersonTara & Mike HayesJohn McHughMichael Curtin, JrStephen PetruccelliLuella & Phillip Mast

ShamrockRobert J. Hickey, JrLouise Verret-McInerneyBailey Lynn FantauzzoEdward H. MoseleyMichael O’Brien, Hurley School of Irish Dance

Lori BillerAndrew MorrisDoug Wheeler

Janet Harrington

Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhounds Irish American ClubJohn & Theresa CullinaneJack O’BrienPaul MorrisseyJohn P. CosgroveEdward Finnegan


Ireland 2016 is an ambitious and wide-ranging national commemorative initiative, embracing seven distinct programme strands each with an extensive programme of events.Forming a prominent part of the Global and

Diaspora programme, over 200 political, economic and cultural events will take place across the USA, providing US citizens with a unique chance to discover more about and reflect upon the events of 1916 and Irish culture.

The centerpiece of the American centenary programme will be a three-week Irish Arts Festival tak-ing place at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C. from 16 May to 5 June.

Find out more about the United States’ events in the Global and Diaspora programme and Cul-ture Ireland’s planned centenary events at Ireland.ie

Washington, D.C.’s Irish American Club, Police Emerald Society, AOH Division 5 and the Knights of Columbus #5547 are spon-soring the following events commemorating the 100th anniver-sary of the Easter Monday Uprising:

-Easter Monday, March 28th: Mass celebrated at St. Aloysius Church, 19 Eye St. NW, Washington D.C. at Noon.

-Saturday, April 23rd: Dinner dance with the Sean Fleming Showband at Knights of Columbus, Cherryhill Rd, College Park, MD.

For more information contact PJ Fitzgerald at 301-439-3827 or [email protected].

Ireland 2016


Ireland 2016

John Garvey is the President of The Catholic University of America. He was the dean of Boston College Law School from 1999 to 2010. In 2008 he was the President of the Association of American Law Schools. He has practiced law

with the firm of Morrison & Foerster in San Francisco, and taught at Notre Dame, Michigan, and Kentucky. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Religion and the Constitution (2011), which won the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit book award; and of Sexuality and the U.S. Catholic Church (2007), which won the Catholic Press Association award. From 1981 to 1984 he was assistant to the solicitor general of the United States. He was elected to the American Law Institute in 1982.

The second of eight children, Garvey was born in Sharon, Pa., in 1948 into a “traditional Irish Catholic family.” His father, “a small town lawyer,” attended daily Mass with Garvey and his brothers and sisters before school. His extended family included devout grandparents on both sides who counted priests and religious among their siblings, nieces and nephews, a life Garvey considered as well. “After grade school I had a brief career in St. Mark’s minor seminary in the Erie Diocese. It was clear to both the rector and me that God was calling me to do something else,” he said.

Since his appointment as the President of The Catholic University of America in 2011, Mr. Garvey has emphasized the effort to strengthen CUA’s Catholic identity, the importance of an integrated Catholic education, and the practice of virtue. In his inaugural address he said “The intellectual life, like the acquisition of virtue, is a communal (not a solitary) undertaking. We learn from each other. The intellectual culture we create is the product of our collective effort.”

Grand Marshal - John Garvey


Mr. Garvey has been married to Jeanne Walter Garvey for 40 years. They have five children, 18 grandchildren, and a rescue dog named Gus.

In recognition of a lifetime of dedicated service as an educator, establishing a precedent by setting an outstanding example for our youth to follow, and for his dedicated service to the Irish American Community of the Catholic University of America and the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, the St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. is proud to honor Mr. Garvey as our 2016 Grand Marshal.


George Washington - CorkJames Madison - ClareAndrew Jackson - AntrimJames Polk - DonegalJames Buchanan - TyroneAndrew Johnson - AntrimUlysses S. Grant - TyroneChester Arthur - AntrimGrover Cleveland - AntrimBenjamin Harrison - DownWilliam McKinley - Antrim

Theodore Roosevelt - DonegalWoodrow Wilson - Tipperary

John F. Kennedy - WexfordRichard Nixon - Antrim

Gerald Ford - MonaghanJimmy Carter - Derry

Ronald Reagan - TipperaryGeorge H.W. Bush - Down & Wexford

William Clinton - FermanaghGeorge W. Bush - Down & Wexford

Barack Obama - Offaly

Did You Know?

22 United States Presidents have Irish roots. Beside their name is the County in which their ancestors lived.



Dan Sullivan was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, the son of Alexander Sullivan and Mary (O’Dea) Sullivan. His family tree is 100% Irish with roots in County Cork and County Galway. He was brought up in a traditional Irish home and recalls speaking his first words in Irish as a young child while accompanying his grandfather as they fed the animals.

He vividly recalls that Ireland was always referred to as “the Old Country,” and was very close to their hearts. Stories of Irish Folklore were frequently told as they sat by the fire on cold winter days. For his family, St. Patrick’s Day was a holy day when everyone went to mass with a small green ribbon pinned to their lapel so everyone would know that they were Irish. At the end of the day a special dinner of Irish stew and Irish soda bread, made from recipes which went back four generations, were enjoyed by all while the old Victrola played recorded songs by John McCormack.

Dan never forgot his Irish upbringing and throughout the years still visits “the Old Country” as frequently as possible. He has many friends and acquaintances throughout Ireland and always visits his cousins on the farm where his Grandfather and Great grandparents lived many years ago. He has been very active in the O’Sullivan Beare Clan activities, both in the U.S. and Ireland and has given many historical presentations at U.S. Irish gatherings. As he loves Irish music, he has also joined in many pub sessions and “sing songs” throughout Ireland, and for many years concluded each parade fundraiser by singing the Irish National Anthem.

Dan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Master of Science Degree

Gael of the YearDaniel F. Sullivan


in Forensic Science, and post masters Studies in Psychology and Deviant Behavior from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dan spent over 45 years of his life in Law enforcement at the Local, State, and Federal levels. Following his retirement he conducted several private inquiries in Ireland and was assisted by retired Garda Siochana associates in these endeavors. He also has acted as a liaison with the Irish Police in matters of interest to them. He has formed a close bond with many of his brothers and sisters in Irish Law enforcement.

On the home front, Dan is a charter member of the DC Police Emerald Society, which is celebrating its 30 year anniversary this year. He is also a long time member of the Irish American Club. Dan been an active member of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Washington D.C. for over 20 years, serving as a member of the Board of Directors, Vice Chairman and Chairman. Dan has also served as a member of the Color Guard of the Prince Georges County Police Pipe Band, and is a card carrying member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Dan is married to his wife of 50 years, Judy Sullivan, who accompanies him on his trips to Ireland, and has many friends of her own on the Emerald Isle. Dan is very proud that his family, daughter, Kathy, sons Brian and Kevin and his eight grandchildren have followed him in their love for Ireland, and have a strong interest in and love for their Irish heritage.

In recognition of his years of dedicated service to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, the Police Emerald Society, the Irish American Club and the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area Irish American Community, the St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. is thrilled to honor Dan Sullivan as our 2016 Gael of the Year.

Gael of the Year Daniel F. Sullivan


James “Jim” Carmody came to the United States from County Kerry, Ireland, at the age of 17. About two years later, he was invited by Uncle Sam to join the United States Army, where he served for two years. One of those years was with the 1st Brigade in Vietnam where he received four medals and a Letter of Appreciation.

That Army experience, coupled with classes at the Washington School of Electronics, paved the way for a career in the electronics field and the eventual opening of his own business, A B & S Systems. Prior to opening his own business, he worked for Washington Gas, ATT, American Amplifier, Dale City Cable and several other electronics firms.

Jim’s dedication to Irish causes has been tireless. He was a member of the Irish American Club and served as its President twice. He served on the Washington St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee as well as the Alexandria one. His company provided the sound system for the Washington Parade for many years. He organized picnics, dances, Feis’s and other social as well as fund raising endeavors.

Jim has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Arlington for over 40 years. He has served in virtually every local office including President of the local Division and Virginia State President. He also served as a National Director. He was often called upon by the National Board to attend official functions in the D.C. area as well as to lobby regarding immigration on the Hill and in the State Legislature. He has built innumerable St. Patrick’s Parade floats and supported the starting of St. Patrick’s parades in Richmond, Gaithersburg and Manassas.

Division Marshal - James Carmody


Division Marshal - James Carmody

While AOH Arlington President, he spearheaded the organization of the Sean O’Riada Gaelic Mass in Arlington to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, and has personally chaired the event for over 30 years. The 38th one will be held on March 14th at 7:30 at St. Thomas More Cathedral in Arlington.

Jim is an enthusiastic supporter of Gaelic games. While first in the United States, he played Gaelic football in D.C. and in New York, sometimes playing in two cities in the same day. He was instrumental in reestablishing Gaelic football in the D.C. area with the formation of the DC Gaels in 1988. He has served on the Board of the Gaels, the Alexandria Gaelic Football Board, and the Division Board. He represented the Gaels at National North American Board Conventions and spearheaded the inclusion of women’s football under the umbrella of the North American GAA. Jim was a driving force in bringing the North American National Championship to the D.C. area in 1998 and received the Gael of the Year Award for his efforts. He helped train the local team for a number of years and also coached youth Gaelic football and hurling. He has personally attended the All Ireland, the Super Bowl of Gaelic football, in Croke Park 18 times.

Jim has worked to promote a variety of Irish causes, such as the Statue of Liberty Gala for renovation of the Statue of Liberty, St. Brigid’s Night Ball for Hospice, the Asgard II Irish tall ship visit to the D.C. waterfront, the St. Brendan’s Cup regatta in Annapolis (Curragh racing, moonlight cruise and entertainment on the waterfront) and the Irish Awareness March on the D.C. Mall. For many years he organized a toy drive for the children of Northern Ireland, packed the toys, drove them to New York and secured passage on Aer Lingus for the toys to reach the poorer areas of Belfast.

Jim has been a member of the Knights of Columbus in Arlington for over 40 years and frequently volunteers his services there to keep the electronics in proper working order.

Jim is married with one daughter and three granddaughters, all of whom are Irish Dancers.


Division Marshal Tom and Diane Hartney

Tom and Diane Hartney were born and raised in upstate New York and currently live in Vienna, VA.

Tom joined the Army in 1961 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany just as the “Wall” was being built. He returned home in 1964 and met Diane. Tom took a job in

Washington, D.C. in 1965. In 1966 Diane came to Washington and they were married at St. Jerome’s Church in Hyattsville, MD. They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August this year.

They have lived in New Carrollton, MD. and then moved to Silver Spring, MD. A few years later Tom took a job near Palo Alto, California. And in 1981, after 4 years, they returned to be near Tom’s Corporate headquarters. With the exception of a short work assignment in London, Tom and Diane have been in Vienna for 35 years. Diane retired after 25 years at Navy Federal Credit Union Headquarters and Tom retired after 35 years in the IT business and Senior Management. During this time, Tom and Diane raised a son, Donald, and a daughter, Lisa. Donald lives in Leesburg, VA with his wife Maria and their daughter Sophia. Lisa was in the Navy and returned to Charleston SC area and remained there after her tour of duty.

Tom and Diane have enjoyed the opportunity to travel to many countries over the years. Among them are Ireland, Italy, England, Austria, France, and Germany along with many parts of the US as well. In the most recent years they have enjoyed their granddaughter Sophia traveling with them.

Being in the Irish community for many years they have fond memories of Matt Kane’s in D.C. Also, attending many Irish functions with the local Black Thorn dance group.


The St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. has been a favorite activity for many years. Tom’s motive was always clear, he brought Diane to see the Irish Wolfhounds march and every year Diane would tell him that we are not having such an ugly dog live with them. In 1994 Tom finally tracked down someone from the parade to find out more about the breed. The rest is history. That same year they joined the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club and began marching in the parade with their wolfhounds in 1995. They became parade committee members, and served on the committee Board of Directors. For the last 10 years, Tom and Diane have been in charge of the reviewing stand for the parade, handling logistics, set up, and working along with the National Park Service to provide a fabulous and memorable experience for the parade’s honorees, dignitaries and thier guests.

Tom and Diane renewed many friendships, and made new friends being part of the parade committee. Today they are honored to be Division Marshals in appreciation for their work. They thank the committee for being people who work long and hard all year for the parade.

Division MarshalTom and Diane Hartney

Did You Know?

The founders of the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club, Charles Carey and John A. K. Donovan were the St. Patrick’s Parade Washington, D.C. Gaels of the Year in 1975.


On St. Patrick’s Day, 1944 Harold “Ben” Self, Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. He was the son of the late Harold “Benny” Self, Sr. and Dorothy Blackwell Self. Ben and his sister, Donna Mason (nee Self) spent their early years in S.E. Washington but later the family moved to Marlow Heights, MD. Ben graduated from Suitland High school in 1963, and jumped right into life. He took a job, got married and in 1966 had his first son, David.

However, Ben didn’t want to just work, he wanted to DO something! So, following

a dream, Ben applied to the District of Columbia Fire Department (DCFD) and on December 4, 1966 proudly accepted his appointment to Engine 23. Ben worked alongside other courageous firefighters until an accident changed his mission. Instead of serving in the field, Ben worked in the Police and Firefighter clinic. Ben worked this position with the same commitment he approached everything else: Do it right, do it well! Ben believed it was a privilege to work with the firefighters that came through the clinic for physicals or sick leave and became good friends with many of them. He was most satisfied when he was able to successfully help firefighters remove obstacles that would otherwise have made it difficult to return to work or begin an assignment. Ben was well respected by his fellow firefighters and liked by all!

Early in his clinic career, Ben met Deborah Self (nee Cieslak). They married in 1982 and together had two children, Daniel and Dorothy. As a family they embraced the values of the firefighters and looked forward to all the events that brought the firefighting community together.

All during his D.C. Firefighter career Ben was very active in his union, Local 36. He was a

Division Marshal Family of Ben Self


Division Marshal Family of Ben Self

diplomatic liaison between the union and the firefighters. Ben was also an active member of the DCFD Emerald Society. He was asked to assist with the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and for 20 odd years Ben volunteered and coordinated many of the details of the parade logistics. He ensured the Irish flags were hung properly along the parade route, ambulance units were posted on the parade route and the Parade Magazines were available and distributed to the public throughout the parade day. Ben loved St. Patrick’s Day. The parade made his birthday special.

Finally, after 30 years of service, 20 of which he served at the DC Fire and Police Clinic, Ben retired on February 27, 1995. Retirement didn’t slow Ben down though; he remained active in the union, the Emerald Society and the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.

In the summer of 2013, “healthy” Ben started exhibiting a variety of physical symptoms which progressively got worse and baffled Doctors. Doctors finally identified Ben’s illness and in October 2013, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ben came home from the hospital in November 2013 and was able to spend time with family and friends. He passed away peacefully on June 4, 2015.

Ben was a Hero: Despite all that ALS took from him, he kept his sense of humor and taught our family and friends a few things about perseverance and determination. People, who knew Ben, remember he was fun, and an avid Orioles and Redskin fan. More than that though, they will remember his warm smile, his loud, spontaneous laugh, and happy go lucky personality. But most of all they will

remember him as a good friend; a man who was there for whoever needed him.

Please like the Ben’s Buddies page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bensbuddies.als/.

For further information on ALS, please visit www.alsa.org.


BANDS & MUSICAL GROUPS

Baltimore All Stars Marching Unit, Baltimore, MDDistrict of Columbia Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, Washington, DCJefferson Co. Community Drum Corps, Jefferson, FLLake Weir High School Marching Hurricane Band, Ocala, FLMacMillan Pipe Band, Alexandria, VAMalcolm X Elementry School Band, Washington, DCMarching Knights Drumline, Kingsman Academy Public Charter School, Washington, DCSeneca Valley High School Marching Band, Germantown, MDThe Wild Irish RosesVirginia Women’s Institute for Leadership Corps of Cadets, Staunton, VAWilliam C. McGinnis Middle School Marching Band & Cadet Corps Perth Amboy, NJ

Parade Participants - as of 2/23/2016


Parade PArticipants - As Of 2/23/2016

DANCE GROUPS

Boyle School of Irish Dance, VACeltic Rhythm School of Dance, VACulkin School of Traditional Irish Dance, MDD’Amoour School of Dance, MDDuffy School of Irish Dance, MD (Float)Fraternidad Cultural Pachamama, VAFraternidad Tinkus San Simon, VAHunt School of Irish Dance, MDHurley School of Irish Dance, MDInfinity Elite Dance Team ”DazzlingDolls”, MDMaple Academy of Irish Dance, VAMcGrath Academy of Irish Dance, VAO’Neill-James School of Irish Dancing, VASalay Cochabamba VA USA, VASouthern Academy of Irish Dance, Virginia (Float)TInkus Tiataco USA, VAThe Urban Renewal Music Masters Youth Band, Fort Lauderdale, FLWilliam E. Doar Jr. Public Charter School, Washington DC

MILITARY

Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Pentagon PoliceUnited States Air Force Marching BandUnited States Air Force Marching PlatoonUnited States Armed Forces Joint Color GuardUnited States Army Caission PlatoonUnited States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum CorpsUnited States Army Marching PlatoonUnited States Coast Guard Marching PlatoonUnited States Marine Marching PlatoonUnited States Navy Marching PlatoonVeterans of The Battle of The Bulge, WW II. WWII Vehicles provided by the Washington Area Collectors of Military Vehicles


Parade Participants - As Of 2/23/2016

INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, STATE AND CITY

District of Columbia Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency, Director Chris GeldartDistrict of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, Assistant Chief Patrick BurkeDistrict of Columbia Metropolitan Police Motorcycles with Color GuardFairfax County, VA Police Honor GuardGreenbelt, MD Police DepartmentMaryland-National Capital Park Police Mounted Unit, Montgomery County DivisionMaryland-National Capital Park Police Mounted Unit, Prince George’s County DivisionMetro Transit Police Department, Chief Ronald PavlikPrince George’s County, MD Office of the Sheriff, Sheriff Melvin HighPrince George’s County Fire Chief, Marc S. BashoorUnited States National Park Service Police Mounted Patrol Unit & Motor Unit, Assistant Chief, Patrick Smith


ORGANIZATIONS & NOVELTIES

Ancient Order of Hibernians State Board of DC and VirginiaAncient Order of Hibernians Commodore John Barry Division Ancient Order of Hibernians Father William Corby DivisionBig Bus ToursBrookland Club and Cairde GaelsBicycle CopilotsCéad Mile Faílte - The Moore FamilyCalvert-Arundel SwordsmenThe Catholic University of America Alumni AssociationChesapeake Irish Terrier ClubClearwater High School MC JROTC, Clearwater, FLCub Scouts Pack 75 & Troop 75, Capitol Heights, MDDC Divas FootballDC Center for the LGBT CommunityThe Dubliner (Float)Emerald Society Firefighters of Washington, D.C. Falun Dafa (Float)Fraternal Order of Police - DC Lodge #1Friendly High School Naval Jr ROTC, Ft. Washiington, MDGEICO GeckoGreenbelt Dog Training Parade Drill TeamInternational Youth Ambassadors, MDIrish American Club of Washington, D.C.Irish Channel (Float)Irish Northern AidJesus HouseKena Shriners, Kena 500 Mini-CorvettesLadies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 9The Leprechaun Donald Patrick RyanLoyal And Patriotic Order of Irish-American ReaganitesMiss Black District of Columbia, Jasmine JonesMiss District of Columbia USA 2016, Deshauna BarberMiss District of Columbia Teen USA 2016, Dylan Murphy




Miss District of Columbia USA 2015, Haely JardasMiss District of Columbia Teen USA 2015, Jade ParchmentOxon Hill Young Marines, Temple Hills, MDPolice Emerald Society Honor Guard Police Emerald Society - The Family Behind the BadgePotomac Valley Irish Wolfhound ClubSouth Lakes High School Army JROTC, Seahawk Battalion, VASt. Johns College High School Rugby Team - the “Scoopers”US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Alexandria Division, VAWashington, DC Rose of Tralee, Camille Sheehan (Float)Washington DC Gaels (Float) Mix 107.3 and 630 AM & 105.9 FM WMAL

VEHICLES

1964 White American LaFrance Pumper Fire truck, owner Joe & Sandy Fitzgerald 1968 Pirsch Pumper Truck, operator William M. FitzGerald1966 American LaFrance Fire Engine owner Earl Clime1969 Crown Fire Coach1971 Peter Prisch Pumper, Finlay Fire1971 Ford Sheriff ’s Police Car, United for Blue1972 Cadillac Ambulance, Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad1973 Ford US Capitol Police Car, FOP DC Lodge #1Old Dominion Historical Fire Society, Northern VirginiaWashington Area Collectors of Military Vehicles


(May 16, 1930 - January 24, 2016 )Thomas Francis Keane passed away peacefully at his home in Dagsboro, DE, on January 24, 2016 with his loving wife of 58 years by his side.

Tom immigrated to America from Ireland in 1957 and worked as a carpenter in the Carpenters Union of Washington, D.C. He owned a home remodeling company, which he operated with his sons.

Tom came to the United States to provide his family the opportunity of a good life, yet he never failed to realize his roots. This was clear in his tireless efforts in throughout the community. He was a founding member of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Washington, D.C., a charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Camillus Council and active in the Irish American Club, the Young Irish American Youth Club, and the Tara Club Bowling League.

He is survived by his wife Ita, and six sons, Thomas Jr., Patrick (Mary), Edward (Noreen), Michael (Debi), Jimmy (Carrie), and Brian. His grandchildren Megan, Mirinda, Erin, Ryan, Brendan, Colin, Mary, Kyleigh, Vanessa and Delaney, and great granddaughter Ryleigh will miss him dearly. Tom is also survived by his sister Bea Connolly, and preceded in death by his brothers Patrick, Seamus and Michael, and his sisters Bab and May in Ireland. He was uncle to many nieces and nephews in Ireland and England.

Tom loved to dance, bowl, tell jokes, watch his favorite football team, the Redskins, and play cards with his friends. He was a friend to many in the Washington, D.C. and Dagsboro, DE communities.

Donations may be made in Tom’s honor to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

In Memory - Thomas F. Keane


Our dear friend and former Parade Committee member Thomas J. “Cappy” Caplis, passed away on March 9, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Wavalouise Caplis; his daughters Colleen Vogel (Alex) and Kimberly Wallingford and grandsons, Ethan and Gavin of Wallingford, PA, and Aidan Brian of Barefoot Bay, FL; brothers, Michael Caplis and wife Jacqueline of Egg Harbor, NJ, Kevin McKone, Philadelphia, PA, Joe Mckone of California. He was predeceased by his son, Brian Caplis. He will be missed by his dog Presto and cat Affie along with many friends in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA.

Cappy, as he is known to his friends, was a stalwart supporter of the St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. for many years until his post retirement move back to Pennsylvania. As a Parade Committee member he served on the Board of Directors and assumed charge of overseeing the Parade floats. In addition he assisted in the organizing of yearly fundraisers at the local Irish Pubs, and oversaw the organization of our annual Golf Tournament and the numerous donations of items for prizes and awards. Cappy was a hardworking Committee Member and a friend to all. May he rest in peace.

There were several Irishmen in Christopher Columbus’ crew. But the one who stands out most is Patrick Maguire. In 1492, Irish-born Maguire was the first crew member of Christopher Columbus’ to set foot on North American ground.

The White House was designed by an Irishman, Mr. James Hoban. Kilkenny-born Hoban, studied architecture in Dublin, and is believed to have based his plan for the U.S. presidential home on Ireland’s Leinster House, now home of the Dail Éireann.

http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/Irish-American-trivia-10-patriotic-facts-about-the-Irish-in-America.html

In Memory - Thomas J. “Cappy” Caplis

Did You Know?


In Memory - Dick Edward “Skip” Coburn

Sadly, we learned following our 2015 parade that Dick Edward “Skip” Coburn a friend and Parade Committee member died unexpectedly on March 18, 2015 at the age of 70.

Skip was born in 1944 in Richmond, VA, and spent his young life traveling all over the world, going to grade school in Tokyo, Japan, high school at the American High School in Paris and one year of college at the University of Maryland in Munich, returning to finish his degree at the University of Colorado where he was in the ROTC and commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He then entered the Air Force where he served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict. He retired as a Lt. Colonel with 24 years of service, and then joined the office of Councilmember Sharon Ambrose as a Research Specialist from 1998 to 2002. He later served for 12 years as Executive Director of the D.C. Nightlife Association. Former D.C. Councilmember Sharon Ambrose stated, “We will miss Skip’s enthusiasm for our city, and be always grateful for the generosity of his friendship.”

Our Parade Committee members will miss Skip’s enthusiasm, friendship and sense of humor. We will never forget the several years that he dressed everyone who was available in comical animal costumes and had them walk the parade route and entertain the children. May he rest in peace.

The first St. Patrick’s Parade in Washington, D.C., was held in 1971 and traveled along Massachusetts Avenue from Dupont Circle to the statue of Robert Emmet. In 1974, the Constitution Avenue route was established and the march became a full-scale Parade featuring traditional pipe bands, Irish dancers, military, police and fire processions, marching bands, ornate floats, and more.

Did You Know?


Category Winning GroupBest in Parade WWII Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge

Best Local Band District of Columbia Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums

Best Visiting Band Randolph Macon Academy Band and Parade Unit, Front Royal, VA

Best Band Auburn High School Marching Band, Auburn, AL

Best Musical Group William C. McGinnis School, Perth Amboy, NJ

Best Marching Unit Mary Baldwin College, Virgnia Women’s Institute of Leadership Corps of Cadets, Staunton, VA

Best Youth Marching Unit Oxon Hill Young Marines, Oxon Hill, MD

Best ROTC Unit South Lakes High School JROTCReston, VA

Best Antique Car 1957 Blue Continental Mark II Owned by Dan Murray

Best Antique Fire Apparatus 1968 Pirsch Pumper Truck, Operated by William M. Fitzgerald

Best Dance School Duffy School of Irish Dance, Gaithersburg, MD

Best Pet Unit Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club, VA

Best Novelty Group The DC Center for the LGBT Community, Washington, DC

Marshal’s Award - Enthusiasm DC Divas Football, Washington, DC

2015 Awards


Thank You - Parade Committee & Marshals

The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit organization registered in the District of Columbia, founded for the sole and express purpose of organizing and producing the St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C.

The Committee is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers who invest many hours year-round to raise funds and manage the myriad of logistics to produce the Parade each year.

The Committee extends a special thanks to the D.C. Police Emerald Society and the Ancient Order of Hibernians for volunteering their time to work behind the scenes to marshal the parade. We can’t step-off without you!

Call our St. Patrick’s Parade information line at: 202-670-0317Visit us on the web: www.dcstpatsparade.comAnd on Facebook www.facebook.com/dcstpatsparadeWrite to us at: St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Washington, D.C. P.O. Box 11584, Washington, DC 20008-0784

Learn More About Us

www.dcstpatsparade.com

Golf Tournament

The 2nd Annual Limerick Pub Challenge Golf Tournament was held at the Northwest Golf Course in Silver Spring, M.D., on September 17, 2015. This tournament benefits the St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C., and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Many thanks to the Limerick Pub and our Hole Sponsors:iGlasses @ Four CornersIreland’s Four CourtsMurphy’s Grand Irish PubKelly’s Irish TimesThe Ricci-Nicholson FamilyNick Lyle - Regional Construction, Inc.Kathy Byars, Realtor, McEnearney AssociatesTom & Diane Hartney in honor of the Irish Wolfhounds

Ancient Order of HiberniansThe Ricci-Nicholson Family

In Memory of Alice JohnsonBallydesmond Company

MP Energy ServicesDeana Angelastro

AJP Builders

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